The guide introduces a method of identifying problems associated with rapid community growth; outlines several growth management options, and some challenges to be faced when attempting to influence related policy choices; and examines how people being impacted might cope more effectively. Part I, "Growth Impacts Assessment," provides an overview of rapid growth impacts, and introduces an impact assessment and management model. Part II, "Community Growth Management," identifies several alternatives for coping with rapid growth, and examines processes and prospects for influencing growth management decisions. Part III, "Coping with Rapid Community Growth," outlines several opportunities for citizens living in impacted communities to obtain more effective leverage in the public decision-making process. The section also suggests an important role for public agency professionals and appointive officials in growth impacts assessment and in the analysis of growth management options. (AH)